Generation Ys pay their way and respects to parents

BRASH, entitled and lazy is a popular view of 21-year-olds, but new research reveals the reality is vastly different.

Instead they are a generation who idolise their parents, are determined to start their own families early and are confident they will find a satisfying career path.

Politeness, family ties and financial independence are qualities deeply valued by Australia's young adults, analysis by the Ipsos Mackay Report found. But they are disillusioned with politics and admit Facebook runs their lives.

"There is an idea of Gen Y as slackers, an entitled generation brought up in periods of unparalleled prosperity and peace, but hearteningly they aren't like that at all," Ipsos Mackay Report research director Laura Demasi said. "The people who inspire them are not Kim Kardashian or other celebrity types. We have young men and women talking about their admiration for their parents.

"They admire that they have been great providers, have worked hard to look after their families and understand, now they have had a bit of life experience, that it is not easy to support a few kids."

Alexandra Rieck, 21, from Carss Park, lives at home with her parents and is "really close" with her mum Cris, who works at the same IT company as her.

"I honestly think if you have a good job and you get paid weekly you should try and help your parents where you can instead of everything having to be handed on a silver platter," said Alexandra, who helps her parents with food and fuel bills.

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